BT and Vodafone launch new unbreakable broadband but is really worth paying the price?

If you’re worried about your broadband suddenly going offline then there are now two new services that should mean your emails never stop arriving and those boxset binges aren’t ever broken by buffering. BT was the first firm to reveal its latest technology last month which features a mobile connection inside the router. If the fixed-line goes down then things switch automatically to a 4G signal keeping the web flowing into your property.

Not to be outdone, Vodafone has now followed with something almost identical with the UK network promising “unbreakable broadband” to those that sign up to its new Pro service. So, if you’re thinking of investing in a web connection that stays online all day every day here’s a quick guide to what’s on offer from Vodafone and BT.

BT HALO 3+

BT’s all-new Halo 3+ service promises to keep your home connected no matter what happens to the broadband in your street. This clever system works via a new Hybrid Connect router which not only plugs straight into your phone line but also has an in-built antenna that can access a mobile network.

BT is using its partnership with EE to make sure things stay online even if the broadband goes down. The Hybrid Connect router instantly knows when the fixed-line is broken and switches over to a 4G signal. Then, once things are all working it swaps back again.

This makes things far more simple for the consumer as, no matter how the signal is arriving in your home, you’re always connected to the same Wi-Fi network meaning no annoying switching in your settings. BT says that there’s no data limit when using EE’s network so you can keep streaming and downloading for as long as the outage lasts.

Other features include BT’s Complete Wi-Fi making sure every room is connected plus there’s Home Tech support to help with any issues.

BT HALO 3+ PRICE: Prices vary but BT’s Halo 3+ starts from around £59 per month.

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VERDICT

These certainly sound like attractive options if you’re constantly stressing about your broadband going down. One of the best things about BT and Vodafone’s offerings is that, as long as you have a solid 4G phone signal in your street, the router always stays connected. This means your nightly boxset binge or zoom call to the office will never be affected by an outage.

Another clever function of both Halo 3+ and Pro Broadband is that they switch automatically when things go wrong meaning you don’t need to dig into the Wi-Fi settings on your devices to keep them all connected.

It’s clever stuff but you will have to pay for the privilege. BT offers standard broadband for just £25 per month and Vodafone also has its basic connection available for £22 which are both considerably cheaper than these hybrid routers.

You are clearly paying a huge premium to have the security of an always-connected home so we guess it’s a decision you’ll need to make if you think it’s worth that much higher price.